In a move aimed at tackling voter apathy, the House of Representatives is considering a bill to make voting compulsory for all Nigerians of voting age during national and state elections.
The proposed amendment to the Electoral Act 2022, co-sponsored by Speaker Abass Tajudeen and Rep. Daniel Ago, passed second reading on the House floor on Thursday. During the debate, Ago argued that voting should be a legal obligation rather than a matter of personal choice, saying it would improve civic engagement, enhance political representation, and curb vote buying.
Ago cited low voter turnout as a threat to Nigeria’s democracy, stressing that mandatory voting could strengthen the system. Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu backed the bill, referencing Australia where failure to vote attracts penalties and can result in loss of certain incentives.
“In Australia, it is an offence not to vote. There are even certain incentives citizens are denied if they fail to participate in elections,” Kalu noted.
However, not all lawmakers were in support. Some argued that enforcing such a law would be impractical and could infringe on personal freedoms. Despite louder opposition voices during the voice vote, Speaker Abbas ruled in favour of the bill moving forward.
Titled “A Bill for an Act to Amend the Electoral Act 2022 to Make It Mandatory for All Nigerians of Majority Age to Vote in All National and State Elections and for Related Matters,” the legislation has now been referred to the House Committee on Electoral Matters for further consideration.
